Philadelphia, PA - Gettysburg, PA  (140 Miles)

​

Before venturing into the vast, uncharted West, Meriwether Lewis embarked on a crucial preparatory journey through the heart of early America. Leaving Washington, D.C., on March 15, 1803, he traveled via horseback across the eastern towns, immersing himself in essential crash courses on botany, paleontology, navigation, and field medicine. Along the way, he procured vital supplies—guns, tomahawks, and knives—while sending an invitation to William Clark, asking him to co-command the expedition that would change the course of history.

This segment of the Lewis and Clark Trail is more than just a historic route; it’s a cultural passage through early American intellect, innovation, and ambition. The cities and towns along the way were centers of scientific discovery, trade, and exploration, shaping the expedition that would define the American frontier.
 

Field Notes: Retracing Lewis’ Steps

Lewis’s eastern journey reveals a fascinating prelude to the expedition. In Philadelphia, he studied under some of the greatest minds of the time, learning how to identify plants, map the stars, and treat wounds in the field. Traveling through Pennsylvania, he absorbed knowledge, gathered supplies, and prepared for the physical and mental challenges ahead. This route offers modern travelers a chance to explore historic institutions, walk in the footsteps of the Corps of Discovery, and experience the intellectual spirit of early America.
 

Points of Interest 

📍 Philadelphia, PA – Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia & Lewis and Clark Herbarium

• Step into one of the nation’s premier scientific institutions, where Lewis studied plant classification and collected knowledge that would later shape the botanical discoveries of the expedition.

• View over 200 dried, preserved plant specimens brought back by the explorers, offering a tangible connection to their findings.
   

📍Lancaster, PA – Sehner-Ellicott-von Hess House

• Visit the historic home of Andrew Ellicott, the renowned astronomer who taught Lewis the art of celestial navigation—an essential skill for mapping the uncharted West.

• Gain insight into 18th-century scientific advancements and their role in exploration.
   

📍Gettysburg, PA – The Road to the West

• On June 10, 1803, a Conestoga wagon, packed with 3,500 pounds of supplies—including trade goods, scientific equipment, and survival gear—set out from Philadelphia.

• At a steady pace of 10 to 12 miles per day, it passed through Lancaster, York, and Gettysburg before reaching Harper’s Ferry on June 28, and ultimately arriving in Pittsburgh on July 22.

• This journey mirrors the slow, deliberate march of progress that would lead Lewis and Clark into the unknown.
   

🔹 Gettysburg National Military Park (National Park Service)

• Though more famous for its Civil War history, Gettysburg serves as a powerful reminder of America’s evolving landscape—both geographically and historically.

• Reflect on the layered history of this land, from early American pioneers to the defining battles that followed.
   

A Journey Through History and Culture

Traveling this stretch of the Lewis and Clark Trail allows modern adventurers to engage with America’s early intellectual centers, explore historic landscapes, and gain a deeper appreciation for the preparation and perseverance required for westward expansion. Whether visiting the scientific halls of Philadelphia or tracing the slow trek of the Conestoga wagon, this route invites you to experience the spirit of discovery that shaped a nation.

​

      Ready to go?  Book your reservations below!